Foer’s article brings out the aspect of a known phenomena to explain the cultural ideologies of the people. He used soccer which is a sport that many people identify with and focusing on the behaviours and emotions associated with it, he tries to unravel globalization. This is a good comparison because sports have got much to do with globalization because it brings people together. He uses his own real experiences to relay the information well.
Foer claims that there is great disparity in the American youth who play soccer and the rest of the world. He further claims that, soccer is played by the working class in most countries (Foer, 14). He further states that in America, it is the middle class and the lower class who plays the game. It is evident that soccer is a threat to America’s culture as there exists a large difference between the parts that engage in the sport and those that haven’t ( Foer 16). The enlightened who have embraced soccer have been a good target of ridicule because they are viewed as having discarded the traditions (16) He further notes that there is constant abusing and jeering of opponents who sometimes don’t have an idea of the game. Soccer has played a greater role in fostering cultural wars. Foer’s claim further shows that the population of the Americans who engage in soccer do not support local sports.
Foer claims that soccer is a major driver of cultural wars helps in understanding the difficulty in embracing change as established in Jacobs essay. Introduction of a new concept or idea can result in unforeseen consequences that is a threat to traditional heritage and peaceful coexistence of people. Jacob’s article focuses on the obstacles facing the introduction of English in Shanghai. This introduction was in aid of foreigners and tourists. This advent has brought with it incompetence in translations of the words, the most common are the road signs.
Jacobs pinpoints a comment by one author who claims that if all the signs were translated, then the chuckles on the street would be eradicated as well as a “window into the Chinese mind” (Jacobs, 10). From Foer’s claims, it is clearly indicated the new invention creates some ridicule, which could sprout into enmity if not looked into. It is also noted that there is cultural wash-down by embracing English, which with the insight of Foer’s claim result into hostility between those who have embraced it and those who haven’t.
Foer’s essay incorporates personal experiences that help explain clearly the concept, which is not the case for Jacob’s article. Jacob illustrates opinions and thoughts of other people and does not relay his personal opinion on the subject. Foer’s is more concerned and sympathetic with the situation because the consequences of soccer fanatics have caused more harm than good for the nation. Jacob’s is a non partisan and illustrates the various reactions and feelings of Shanghai residents on the introduction of English. Jacob pinpoints that English translations do not portray its intended meaning causing conflicts in interpretation (Jacob, 1). Foer gives more insight into the matter at hand with examples while Jacob gives people’s expression of the subject.
From the two articles, one can ascertain that new ideas and inventions have both negative and positive implications. From Jacob’s article, it is clear that the use of English is more convenient for tourists thus encouraging more of them, who bring in revenue for the country.
